D.C. Everest's Maddie Mittelsteadt was a reason why the Evergreens reached the WIAA girls state soccer tournament for this first time in the program's history this season

D.C. Everest's Maddie Mittelsteadt finished with 33 goals this season as the Evergreens reached the WIAA state girls soccer tournament for the first time in the program’s history
(Photo:
Gannett Wisconsin Media file photo
)

Story Highlights

Mittelsteadt became Evergreens' all-time leading scorer this season

Junior earned WVC player of year and first team all-state honors

Forward's 33 goals nearly matched total she scored in two previous seasons combined

Editor's note: The following is the fifth part of a series recognizing Gannett Central Wisconsin Media's players of the year from the spring sports season.

WESTON – Maddie Mittelsteadt had a hat trick in a season-opening 3-0 win over Oregon in April for the D.C. Everest girls soccer team

However, it was her performance a few weeks later against Eau Claire Memorial that set the tone for Mittelsteadt's junior season.

The Evergreens' midfielder scored four times in the first half of an eventual rout of an Old Abes program that had delivered Everest some heart-breaking defeats over the past few seasons. That included a double-overtime loss in a WIAA Division 1 sectional title game in 2013.

"I think mentally, that did a lot for our team going forward, and for her confidence, as well," said Everest coach Lucas Kollross.

It was part of a stellar season in which Mittelsteadt set individual program records with 33 goals and 73 points. She also became the Evergreens' all-time leading scorer, and has 153 points in her career.

For her efforts, Mittelsteadt has been chosen as Gannett Central Wisconsin Media's girls soccer player of the year. She is a big reason why the Evergreens reached the WIAA state tournament for the first time and advanced to the Division 1 championship game.

"At the end of the championship game, it was hard walking off that field, to come so close to (a state championship). But after you give it time to reflect, it was like, 'Look at all the things we accomplished this year,'" Mittelsteadt said. "It was an accomplishment for us to just get to (the championship game)."

Mittelsteadt is joined on the first team by three teammates: midfielder Kelsey Gilmore and defenders Mali Theiss and Gabi Kitchell.

Stevens Point Area Senior High had three first-team selections in forward Jen Hoerter, midfielder Abby Bohanski and defender Justice Menge.

Assumption forward Mary Sigler and keeper Gena Grundhoffer are representatives from the Division 4 state champions. The first team also includes Marshfield forward Darian Molter and Wisconsin Rapids defender Lauren Anderson.

Mittelsteadt was named the Wisconsin Valley Conference player of the year and became the first Evergreens player to be named first team all-state by the Wisconsin Soccer Coaches Association.

"It's an honor, but if I wouldn't have been surrounded by my talented teammates, I wouldn't have been able to have accomplished what I did," Mittelsteadt said.

Mittelsteadt had scored 15 goals as a freshman and 20 in her sophomore season, nearly equaling that combined total this season. She was part of an Everest attack that ran a 4-5-1 system and topped all Division 1 programs in scoring this year with 132 goals.

"She just has got a great blend of speed and strength, and it allows her to create a lot of mismatches with her opponents," Kollross said. "One of the biggest growths in her game (this year) is that when she is being marked up (by a opponent), she is able to find the open pass. She has great vision (on the field) and a connection with her teammates.

"This year, she also finished a lot better. She didn't waste too many of her (scoring) opportunities," Kollross added. "She capitalized a lot better on those opportunities, and created opportunities for her teammates, as well."

Tim Johnson can be reached at 715-845-0731. Find him on Twitter @timmyjo11

All-Area Soccer

First 11

Forwards

Maddie Mittelsteadt, jr., D.C. Everest: The Wisconsin Valley Conference player of the year, and a Wisconsin Soccer Coaches Association first team all-state pick. Set program record with 33 goals this season, and also became the Evergreens' all-time leading scorer.

Jen Hoerter, sr., SPASH: A unanimous all-Wisconsin Valley Conference selection for the third straight year, and also received all-state honors. Third-leading scorer in conference play with 15 goals and 38 points.

Darian Molter, sr., Marshfield: A first team all-Wisconsin Valley Conference selection, including a third straight season as an unanimous pick. Led the WVC with 20 goals and also earned all-state honors.

Mary Sigler, sr., Assumption: The Royals standout finished with 40 goals and 13 assists, and recorded the game-winner in the WIAA Division 4 state championship matchup against New Holstein.

Midfielders

Abby Bohanski, jr., SPASH: A unanimous all-Wisconsin Valley Conference selection — and her third straight year of making the first team. Led the WVC with 42 points, and also earned all-state honors.